Show 518, March 25, 2023: Paul Hobson, General Manager, SAHARA Las Vegas

Paul Hobson of Sahara Las Vegas

SAHARA Las Vegas on the fabled Las Vegas Strip epitomizes the timeless soul of Las Vegas. With a bold, sophisticated flair and a boutique approach to personal service, SAHARA provides guests an intimate and unexpected experience that sets a new standard for Las Vegas. Completely remodeled and reimagined for a new era after a $200 million dollar renovation, SAHARA offers three distinctive hotel towers, a variety of five-star dining options and a world-class casino. With unexpected delights around every corner, SAHARA embodies the style, sophistication and playful sense of possibility embodying the spirit of Las Vegas—all while bringing the iconic Las Vegas experience to a new generation.”

“SAHARA Las Vegas comprises an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,613 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers—including the Marra Tower (where elegance meets indulgence) —each with a unique personality designed to offer contemporary and stylish settings for an amazing Las Vegas getaway.”

SAHARA Las Vegas celebrated their 70th Anniversary last year. General Manager Paul Hobson is at our service.

Show 506, January 7, 2023: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part One

Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

“In just a short time, Donald Contursi’s Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour operator in Las Vegas, garnering not only loyal fans but outstanding accolades. Its variety of tours offer guests personalized service and VIP access to the best tables in the house at the city’s most acclaimed restaurants – all without the hassle of waiting in lines or making reservations.”

“Each tour is led by an expert guide who entertains guests with insider knowledge about the sights along the way. At each of four restaurant stops on The Strip or downtown, guests indulge in signature dishes, as well as receive a warm welcome from the chefs. Guests can sit beside different patrons at every stop, gaining new friends and networking connections. The tours are perfect for everyone from locals to tourists to business travelers, including corporate groups of up to 250.” Guests can even add a helicopter ride touring the famed Las Vegas Strip to cap off the evening.

“The sister entity, Finger Licking Foodie Tours, was founded by Donald Contursi, founder and president of the wildly successful award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers lighthearted, self-guided casual culinary walking tours on the Strip and through some of Vegas’ most distinctive neighborhoods, with stops at three top restaurants to enjoy a parade of signature dishes at each, all with VIP service. They are self-guided with an innovative e-guide included. Each tour introduces guests to some of the city’s most celebrated and irresistible eateries.”  Options for the self-guided foodie tours include Downtown, Arts District, Chinatown, Green Valley Resort, Tivoli Village, Virgin Hotel, Aria Resort & Casino and Park MGM. There is also a Chicago self-guided tour of three of the classic deep-dish pizza establishments along the Magnificent Mile.

Donald Contursi takes a break from hosting his VIP tours and joins us.

Show 506, January 7, 2023: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part Two

Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

“In just a short time, Donald Contursi’s Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour operator in Las Vegas, garnering not only loyal fans but outstanding accolades. Its variety of tours offer guests personalized service and VIP access to the best tables in the house at the city’s most acclaimed restaurants – all without the hassle of waiting in lines or making reservations.”

“Each tour is led by an expert guide who entertains guests with insider knowledge about the sights along the way. At each of four restaurant stops on The Strip or downtown, guests indulge in signature dishes, as well as receive a warm welcome from the chefs. Guests can sit beside different patrons at every stop, gaining new friends and networking connections. The tours are perfect for everyone from locals to tourists to business travelers, including corporate groups of up to 250.” Guests can even add a helicopter ride touring the famed Las Vegas Strip from the air to cap off the evening.

“The sister entity, Finger Licking Foodie Tours, was founded by Donald Contursi, founder and president of the wildly successful award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers lighthearted, self-guided casual culinary walking tours on the Strip and through some of Vegas’ most distinctive neighborhoods, with stops at three top restaurants to enjoy a parade of signature dishes at each, all with VIP service. They are self-guided with an innovative e-guide included. Each tour introduces guests to some of the city’s most celebrated and irresistible eateries.”  Options for the self-guided foodie tours include Downtown, Arts District, Chinatown, Green Valley Resort, Tivoli Village, Virgin Hotel, Aria Resort & Casino and Park MGM. There is also a Chicago self-guided tour of three of the classic deep-dish pizza establishments along the Magnificent Mile.

Last year Don inaugurated (via shuttle transportation) a series of Specially Focused Food Tours concentrating on a popular menu item and designed for Locals. Sold out specialty tours so far include Pizza and BBQ. More adventures are on the horizon including a properly decadent dessert experience.… Each guest also gets the gift of a highlight video of the memorable foodie adventure.

Donald Contursi takes a second break from hosting his VIP tours and continues with us.

Show 453, November 27, 2021: Al Mancini, Las Vegas-based Food & Entertainment Journalist and creator of the “Food and Loathing” podcast Part One

Al Mancini of the Las Vegas Review Journal

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is the former staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. After four and one-half years with the Review-Journal Al earlier this year embarked on more personal entrepreneurial ventures covering (without filters) the dynamic Vegas dining and beverage scene. He launched the weekly podcast, Food and Loathing focusing on a fresh approach conversing with Vegas food personalities and other local characters of note.

We’ll hear about the standout restaurants in the massive, newly opened Resorts World on The Strip. Also, the best in memorable sandwiches in Downtown and how the Vegas dining scene is bouncing back from the pandemic.

Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 20 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al joins us with his insider’s Las Vegas update.

Show 453, November 27, 2021: Al Mancini, Las Vegas-based Food & Entertainment Journalist and creator of the “Food and Loathing” podcast Part Two

Al Mancini of the Las Vegas Review Journal

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is the former staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. After four and one-half years with the Review-Journal Al earlier this year embarked on more personal entrepreneurial ventures covering (without filters) the dynamic Vegas dining and beverage scene. He launched the weekly podcast, Food and Loathing focusing on a fresh approach conversing with Vegas food personalities and other local characters of note.

We’ll hear about the standout restaurants in the massive, newly opened Resorts World on The Strip. Also, the best in memorable sandwiches in Downtown and how the Vegas dining scene is bouncing back from the pandemic.in memorable sandwiches in the area and how the Vegas dining scene is bouncing back from the pandemic.

Al tantalizingly teased an innovative Las Vegas dining recommendation app that he’ll be launching in the new year. When it’s ready to go Al will be back on the show to discuss all the intriguing specifics.

Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 20 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al continues us with providing his insider’s Las Vegas update.

Show 382, July 18, 2020: Chef & Proprietor Johnny Church, Johnny C’s Diner, Las Vegas Part One

Johnny Church of Johnny C's DinerChef Johnny Church is well-known in fine dining circles in Las Vegas. Among the high-profile kitchens on the Las Vegas Strip he’s cooked in are Aureole and RM Seafood. Most recently he was the corporate executive chef for Golden Entertainment.

In April he made the unusual move of going out on his own and taking over a classic 50’s style diner now known as Johnny C’s Diner – “Seven Days Without Makes One Weak.” It’s located in the LMV Resort, a lushly landscaped luxury RV resort.

It’s elevated diner fare (with a real chef in the kitchen) with quality ingredients for Breakfast and Lunch seven days a week. Dinner will arrive later in the year.

Think Fat Elvis French Toast with bacon, banana, peanut butter and strawberries. From specialty sandwiches there is the Hero piled high with turkey, ham, salami, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, mustard, olive oil, balsamic redux, oregano and served on a hoagie roll.

Chef Johnny Church, spatula securely in hand, serves it up for us.

 

Show 382, July 18, 2020: Chef & Proprietor Johnny Church, Johnny C’s Diner, Las Vegas Part Two

Johnny Church of Johnny C's DinerChef Johnny Church is well-known and respected in fine dining circles in Las Vegas. Among the high-profile kitchens on the Las Vegas Strip he’s cooked in are Aureole and RM Seafood. Most recently he was the corporate executive chef for Golden Entertainment.

In April he made the unusual move of going out on his own and taking over a classic 50’s style diner now known as Johnny C’s Diner – “Seven Days Without Makes One Weak.” It’s located in the LMV Resort, a lushly landscaped luxury RV resort.

It’s elevated diner fare (with a real chef in the kitchen) with quality ingredients for Breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Dinner is coming later in the year.

Think Fat Elvis French Toast with bacon, banana, peanut butter and strawberries. From the selection of specialty sandwiches there is the Hen House with fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, special sauce and served on a toasted bun. Sweet Treats include Chef Johnny’s Family recipe for Orange Creamsicle Cake.

Johnny Church proudly supports family farms and sources as many high-quality local ingredients as possible.

Chef Johnny Church, spatula in hand, continues with us.

Show 374, May 23, 2020: Journalist Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Al Mancini of the Las Vegas Review JournalOne of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 19 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series.

Al joins us with a report on dining in the restaurants that have been allowed to reopen for full-service in Las Vegas. Restaurants located off The Strip have permission to reopen for dine-in with precautions. Establishments located in The Strip hotel casinos (and other hotel casinos) can only reopen if they have outside access to the restaurants that doesn’t necessitate walking through a closed casino floor.

Al shares the welcome news that complimentary self-parking (with a few exceptions for large special events) will return at all the Strip Hotel Casinos when they reopen.

Show 323, May 11, 2019: Donald Contursi, Founder & President, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas

Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours“In Vegas, you may need Lady Luck at the gambling tables, but not at the dining ones. Not when you rely on Lip Smacking Foodie Tours’ award-winning culinary walking tours that ensure a delicious payoff in the best bites this exciting city offers.”

“Our mission at LIPSMACKING foodie tours is to introduce visitors and locals alike to the best signature dishes, unique preparations and exciting tastes in Las Vegas. The mouths behind Lip Smacking Foodie Tours love food, eating, dining and experiencing. This quartet of passions originally inspired us to pursue careers in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. And ultimately, after years in the game, we created Las Vegas’ premier walking tour company exclusively geared toward those craving the ultimate taste of Las Vegas.”

“Book a tour today and you will be privy to a day or night adventure at up to four top restaurants, on the Strip or downtown, hosted by the citys culinary insiders who will entertain you with fascinating stories about Vegas. At each restaurant, you’re a VIP, whisked to the best table to enjoy 3 to 4 signature dishes at each stop. We take the gamble out of finding the most Lip Smacking tastes among the more than 330 restaurants on the Strip.”

President & Founder Donald Contursi is our guide.

Show 273, May 12, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a sinful preview of this Saturday’s appropriately decadent show. We’re in fabulous Las Vegas…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Vegas Uncork'dWe’re live from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort for today’s special show. It’s Vegas Uncork’d Weekend here and the mega-star celebrity chefs with high-profile restaurants in Sin City are in town for the four days of extensive festivities.

As part of the first evening of Vegas Uncorked The Chefs of Thomas Keller Present a French Soiree”. It sold out right away. The two lead chefs are Chef de Cuisine Josh Crain of Bouchon Las Vegas and Chef de Cuisine Matt Alba of Ad Hoc and Addendum in Yountville, CA. Chef Josh joins us.

Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo skillfully merges classic steakhouse with innovative and unique culinary techniques. It’s all enhanced by more than 60 wines-by-the-glass and more than 400 varieties of French and California wine-by-the-bottle. Our guest is Lou Hirsch, the General Manager, known in Vegas for his gracious hospitality.

John Kunkel, owner and founder of 50 Eggs Inc.’s newest concept Chica Las Vegas at The Venetian delivers the robust and vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine combined with a dynamic wine and mixology program. Crafted by celebrity Latina chef Lorena Garcia, the diverse menu draws inspiration from classic renditions and provides guests the opportunity to explore the flavors of Latin American cuisine as one culture, with influences from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, among many more. Chef Lorena pops out of the busy Chica kitchen to chat.

Veteran Las Vegas insider and widely-followed food journalist Al Mancini works alongside The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s long-time restaurant critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. As a Staff Writer he covers the burgeoning food scene in Las Vegas both in the print and online versions of the daily newspaper. Al also posts food & libation related videos. We pull him away from the Vegas Uncork’d festivities for an update.

Juyoung Kang is the lead bartender at The Dorsey at The Venetian. She was the Nevada Restaurant Association’s Bartender of the Year in 2015. For Vegas Uncork’d she stars in Saturday afternoon’s “Behind the Bar: Learn the Craft of Cocktailing with Masters of the Bar at The Venetian & The Palazzo.” We’re shaking craft cocktails with Juyoung.

For the 3rd time in the show’s history we’re happily broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo. It’s a sport’s fan’s and foodies’ paradise. Lagasse’s Stadium is the ultimate sports bar: a restaurant with stadium-seating featuring elevated game-time classics and gourmet options from Emeril Lagasse. Robert DeLillo, the Executive Sous Chef for Exec Scott Pajak is our guest.

Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Las Vegas is a truly special dining experience. General Manager Aaron Pannell who is responsible for managing all aspects of the restaurant and related Bouchon Bakery joins us.

All of this and much more deliciousness on today’s overflowing show!